Who is it for?
MapMaker is a digital mapping tool, created by the National Geographic Society and Esri, designed for teachers, students, and National Geographic Explorers.
How is it helpful?
Built on the ArcGIS platform, MapMaker 4.0 contains a curated collection of base maps, data layers, and tutorials for teaching and learning. As of November 2023, the latest version of MapMaker includes new features that will better enable users to examine maps and data to explore the Earth’s interconnected systems.
What’s new?
Building upon the robust features of the previous version of MapMaker, the new version features:
- A set of maps that specifically showcase the research of National Geographic Explorers
- New 3D and globe map view
- The ability to measure area and find location
- The use of bookmarks
- A layer swipe tool, elevation profile tool, weather simulation tool, and daylight simulation tool
Frequently Asked Questions
- I already have an account with a login for MapMaker 2.0. Will that login work for the new version?
- I have been using MapMaker 2.0. Will I still be able to use that version of the software?
- Do I need a login to use the new version of MapMaker?
- If I create a free teacher account and later decide to give my students their own accounts, will I be able to share my data with them?
- I notice I can no longer print tabletop maps and MapMaker kits from your website. How can I do this in the latest version of MapMaker?
- I have more questions. Where can I find answers?
I already have an account with a login for MapMaker 2.0. Will that login work for the new version?
Yes. Logins from MapMaker 2.0 will enable users to login to the new version. However, maps saved in a user’s MapMaker 2.0 account will not be carried over to MapMaker 4.0.
I have been using MapMaker 2.0. Will I still be able to use that version of the software?
Yes, MapMaker 2.0 will remain available through the 2023-2024 school year before we completely migrate to the new platform. From now through the end of June 2024, users can choose whether to use MapMaker 2.0 or MapMaker 4.0.
Do I need a login to use the new version of MapMaker?
There are several options for using MapMaker:
Option 1: No Login. The short answer is No, MapMaker does not require a login. You can use the tool without a login in order to explore the world in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional displays and examine a built-in set of curated content. However, without a login, users are not able to save maps or use MapMaker’s more interactive features; they can alternatively take a screenshot of a map to share or discuss with others.
To make the most of the interactive features, such as saving and sharing maps, and saving notes and sketches to maps, there are other options that do require a login:
Option 2: Free Teacher Accounts, With Login. Teachers can create a free account with a login that will enable them to save maps and share them with students. These free accounts are not available for student use.
Option 3: Student Accounts, With Login. In order for students to save work in MapMaker, they will need student accounts with a login. The 17,000+ schools that already have accounts for students and educators will be able to access the new version of MapMaker with their existing logins.
Option 4 (for National Geographic Explorers): Explorer Accounts, With Login. National Geographic Explorers can login using a free account provided by the National Geographic Society. Explorers without an existing account can request one through the Geography & Mapping Toolbox in Explorer Home.
If I create a free teacher account and later decide to give my students their own accounts, will I be able to share my data with them?
Yes, we can convert accounts in this way so that educators do not lose their work and are able to share it with students.
I notice I can no longer print tabletop maps and MapMaker kits from your website. How can I do this in the latest version of MapMaker
- Open MapMaker.
- Change the basemap from National Geographic Style (default basemap) to Human Geography Map (with labels) or Outline Map (without labels).
- Next, search for a location (country, state/province, town etc.)
- Scale to a size that fills the screen.
- Click the ‘Save’ button then select Screenshot or Export to PDF.
- Print or project.
I have more questions. Where can I find answers?
Find answers to additional questions and see demos to get started at the MapMaker Help Center. Read more about what’s new, as well as hear from students at Foulks Ranch Elementary who have used MapMaker’s latest features, in this blog post from National Geographic Education.
Explore MapMaker Collections from National Geographic Education
